Anyone else wondering if they have made a truely hideous mistake

[Reallytired]

I am pregnant with what will be a second baby. This pregnant was planned and very much wanted by both my husband and I.

With my first baby I had very severe postnatal depression. I am now scared that I am going to have postnatal depression again.

I think I have made a truely hideous mistake by getting pregnant on purpose. Ie. I have forgotten the full horror of breastfeeding agony, sleepness nights and colic. My six year old son is gorgeous and gives me lots of joy.

But I am dreading the thought of having a baby again.

Have no personal experience of PND, but I think you should make an appt with your GP or health visitor to discuss this.

I agree, some cognitive therapy might also help prepare you if your GP can refer you. With your history I doubt it will be a prob - my midwife offered me counselling at my booking appt because I had post traumatic stress before... Felt I didn't need it (yet!) as I don't have such a romanticised expectation this time so won't feel so robbed hopefully.

I'm due end Feb and had a few weeks after finding out I was pregnant of crying and agonising over it, even though the baby is wanted, and ended up feeling so guilty for the poor little one inside me who shouldn't have to have a mummy who doubted they wanted them for a second etc... But I realise now it was pure fear, because first time was so bloody hard.

We're only human, so don't be hard on yourself. Just be better prepared for it this time, and it sounds like you'll be vigilant anyway. Good luck hon.

I had pnd with ds, now 9, am sat with unplanned dd2, 11 days old. at first we were worried about pregnancy as famioly complete but maternal instinct kicked in and apart from the odd days of guilt i have had a stress free pregnancy.

It is common to panic when remembering the bad points but there are great times to be had. Pnd is scary but your dh and dr's will be there to help should you feel it is coming back.

Please try and enojy the pregnancy and get your child involved, good luck